Lorenzo Baldassarri has topped the second day of testing for the Moto2 class at Valencia. The Pons HP40 rider took over top spot after a crash by Miguel Oliveira meant the Portuguese KTM rider was unable to finish the final session of the day, though Oliveira was unhurt in the crash.

Mattia Pasini set the third fastest time at Valencia, the Italian a third of a second behind Baldassarri, but two tenths faster than Marcel Schrotter on the Dynavolt Intact Kalex. Fabio Quartararo ended the day as sixth quickest on the Speed Up, two thirds of a second behind Baldassarri.

Oliveira was not the only rider to fall on the cold but dry track. A grand total of seven riders fell, though all without serious consequences. The track is expected to be dry and cold again on Thursday, for the final day of the test.

...but ... I ... just can't ... help myself and have to comment: Joe Roberts was a revelation when he burst onto the national road race scene here in the US. Here's a good article about him by Sean MacDonald. To see him in front of both Tech 3 bikes and .5 behind Binder bodes well for his upcoming season. Right? I know it's just testing.

The Marc VDS Moto2 team, Sky VR46 team, and Sam Lowes' Swiss Innovative Investors.com KTM team all chose to skip this test because of the expected temperatures. They will all be in Jerez next week. Then back in Valencia at the end of the month, I believe.